Thandi

[Pat]

Probably losing money with their really low fares

But that's what attracted people to the service.  The bus would be full by the time you got to Darlaston.

[the trainbasher]

But that's what attracted people to the service.  The bus would be full by the time you got to Darlaston.

Problem is that if it can't cover its costs, then cuts need to be made.

[Pat]

Problem is that if it can't cover its costs, then cuts need to be made.

It's strange.  They've been on the 334 for years and seemed to cope financially.

[the trainbasher]

It's strange.  They've been on the 334 for years and seemed to cope financially.

Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.

[DJ]

Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.

Rightly so, we've already seen countless operators go under. I'd rather see one (and a decent one at that, these days) making cuts, rather than closing completely.

[Pat]

Remember we're in a pandemic. Lots of businesses are having to make cuts.

I understand that, but to cut a section of the route that is well used puzzles me.  If, like Tony said, it is a case of them not wanting to pay the fees for Bilston Bus Station, then why don't they terminate somewhere else, such as the War Memorial?

[ellspurs]

I understand that, but to cut a section of the route that is well used puzzles me.  If, like Tony said, it is a case of them not wanting to pay the fees for Bilston Bus Station, then why don't they terminate somewhere else, such as the War Memorial?

Will the shortening of the route mean that they can use one less bus on it? May be part of the cost cutting.

[l.murphy123]

Is the 334 running to Bilston again? Saw a Thandi bus parked up in Bilston and its showing on bustimes.org (though I know that can be incorrect at times).

[DJ]

Is the 334 running to Bilston again? Saw a Thandi bus parked up in Bilston and its showing on bustimes.org (though I know that can be incorrect at times).

Yeah, they started running the full route again, I think back in December? I definitely caught a 334 from Bilston to Darlaston last month.

[Pat]

Yeah, they started running the full route again, I think back in December? I definitely caught a 334 from Bilston to Darlaston last month.

What website/app is that that you've got there @DJ? 

[DJ]

What website/app is that that you've got there @DJ?

It's a site called busmiles, where you can track your trips and fleet/livery completion. I've got access to it as a beta tester, I'm not sure if it's available for use yet though.

[Stu]

It's a site called busmiles, where you can track your trips and fleet/livery completion. I've got access to it as a beta tester, I'm not sure if it's available for use yet though.

Just found it, yes registration is currently closed:
https://www.busmiles.uk/

[Wumpty]

This video popped up on my historic media feed via Youtube.

It charts the start of Thandi post privatisation on the 555/556 in London area. Note the ex GMPTE Leyland National (with surviving steering wheel boss cover) and the double decker coach.

Both vehicles were used at their West Midlands operations too:



***Apologies if this isn't the right place to post - felt it better to post in context than another new thread.

[B61 ANDREW]

 Time goes so quickly. I think that the Neoplan looks more dated than the National .

[Solo1]

BC05RTV now with four ways coaches Chelmsford photo.on Flickr. Not my pic https://flic.kr/p/2mXWyYT E4 Photography
Is where I saw it